8 Unique Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Interior Project

When it comes to interior design, the possibilities are endless. Creativity and intuition are essential tools when it comes to finding inspiration for your next project.

Try visiting an art gallery or botanical garden to see how other designers use nature as a source of inspiration. You can also find unique design ideas by combining your favorite elements.

1. Creating a Gallery Wall

One of the easiest and most popular ways to transform a room is with a gallery wall. These walls can be created above a sofa or bed, on stairway landings, in hallways and even on room dividing walls. You can keep uniform frames and colors for a more polished look, or go all out with an eclectic mix that speaks to your unique interests and tastes.

When creating a gallery wall, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want the final result to look like. You can focus on a particular theme, such as family photos or travel memorabilia, or you can create an eclectic mix of different frames and art prints. It’s also helpful to have a variety of sizes on your wall, with the largest pieces serving as anchors and the rest filling in around them.

Before you hang any pictures on the wall, lay them out on the floor to get a feel for how they will look together. You can even trace and cut out each frame from craft paper, then use painters tape to stick it on the wall to see how they look without worrying about causing any damage.

2. Creating a Coffee Table

A coffee table is a focal point for many living rooms. It can serve as a place to put drinks, decorations, and knick-knacks, but it also can be used to display books or other items of interest. The style of the coffee table should complement the other furniture in the room.

A simple wood surface is a versatile option for a coffee table. Glass, acrylic, and metal can add a modern touch to the table and match other materials in the room. For a more traditional look, try dark wood or a table with a marble top.

A unique and functional way to decorate a coffee table is to create a planter in the center of the table. This can be accomplished with real or faux plants. Alternatively, a display of ripe pears or apples can bring color to the table and serve as a snack for guests. DIYers can even make their own coffee tables using repurposed materials. For example, this blogger turned an old window into a gorgeous coffee table, then added a bottom storage area to it by adding casters and a wooden picket frame.

3. Creating a Bookshelf

While there are many different styles of bookcases, a bookshelf is a unique piece of furniture that can help you store your most precious belongings. You can use a bookshelf to display your collection of family photos, or you can use it to showcase your favorite novels and collectibles. A bookcase can also be a great way to display plants or other decorative items.

To build a bookshelf, you will need some basic tools and supplies. Start by getting some plywood from the lumberyard. You should choose a wood that matches the finish you want for your bookcase. It is important to sand the entire piece of plywood before you assemble it.

Some bookshelves are built into the wall, which can create a custom look. You can find plans for these projects at major home centers and lumber outlets. A more traditional style of bookcase is a simple inset box that fits between wall studs. You can dress it up with trim moldings to add a more finished look. You can also find plans for bookshelves that are built into the corner of a room, which can be used to create a reading nook.

4. Creating a Window Seat

A window seat is a cozy nook to enjoy natural light and the view while incorporating interior design Brazilian style. Whether it’s an inviting banquette in the kitchen or a cozy hideaway for reading in the den, this seating area has romantic associations that suggest luxury and spare time. Window seats are available in a range of sizes, shapes and styles—built into an existing nook like this one or installed as a standalone bench that sits beneath a bay window. They can be built with cushioned raised benches to lounge or upholstered stools that provide a perch for observing the world around them. They can have open or hidden storage, be lined with curtains for a secluded feel or clad in wood paneling.

The key to this project is a well-planned layout and careful selection of materials. For example, this bedroom window seat idea by Emily Henderson Design uses a simple upholstered bench to add seating and storage to the awkward space under a small window. This allows the homeowners to linger in their bed or curl up with a book without disrupting the views of their garden and trees beyond.

5. Creating a Planter

Planters can be a beautiful way to add color and life to your home. They can be as simple as a pot or as complex as a raised garden bed. The key is to find a unique planter that suits the style of your space. Whether you’re looking for something modern with a graphic pattern or a boho chic planter made of tie-dye fabric, the options are endless.

A planter can be made from any material, so long as it’s safe to hold soil and a living plant. It can also be as large or as small as you want, depending on the size of your space.

If you have a small terrace, try creating a vertical planter with flowering cascade plants like helichrysum or ipomea. Or, create a more whimsical look by stacking three traditional ceramic planters in different colors. You can even use old locker drawers that you score at a thrift store and paint them with a fresh coat of colorful paint. Alternatively, you can turn old teacups and saucers into a cute DIY planter.

6. Creating a Backsplash

A backsplash is more than just a functional addition to your kitchen; it can be the focal point of the room. In addition to protecting the walls from water damage and dirt, it can be an opportunity to add a pop of color or design detail.

Geometric patterns like hexagons and herringbones are a classic that never goes out of style, but they don’t have to be the only option. Backsplashes can also be designed with a variety of textures, colors, and shapes. For example, designer Meredith McBrearty used handmade terra-cotta tile to create a unique backsplash in her home’s laundry nook.

If you don’t want to commit to a permanent backsplash material, peel-and-stick faux tiles are a quick and affordable alternative. They’re available in a wide range of designs, from clean and simple subway tile looks to damask patterns, and they can be easily removed if you ever want to change your look. Backsplashes can also be made with other materials, such as metal and wood. For example, the designers in the 2022 Idea House used a wood-paneled backsplash to tie together their kitchen’s rustic wooden countertops and modern brass hardware.

7. Creating a Hanging Planter

Bring the beauty and health benefits of lush greenery into your home by creating a unique hanging planter. Using a variety of hanging planter ideas, including macrame (yes it is making a comeback), you can create a plant holder that suspends from above. Whether you want to hang your planter from the ceiling, wall, or a freestanding frame, it can add a touch of organic charm and exotic plant intrigue while saving floor space.

To start, figure out what plants will work best for your hanging planter — you’ll likely need to choose trailing or cascading plants that produce flowers that hang down rather than growing up. For example, in this sphagnum moss hanging basket, larger dianthus blend with smaller petunias and variegated English ivy to produce a wildly untamed garden look.

Once you’ve decided on the planter, choose a container that fits the size of your plants and suits your space and decor. Fill the container with a lightweight bagged potting soil that has a mix of organic ingredients like compost, humus, and earthworm castings along with inorganic ingredients that promote aeration like perlite.

8. Creating a Wall Art

Wall art is a great way to bring in an accent to your home without taking up too much space. It can also add a pop of color that can catch the eye of anyone who walks into your room.

One of the best things about wall art is that it can be easily rearranged to suit your current needs. However, before you start hanging anything up, make sure to wipe down your walls and measure them out to get a feel for how large or small it should be. For a good guideline, the center of your art should be at least 56 inches from the floor and eight to 10 inches above a piece of furniture.

Try making your own wall art using a stencil and paint. This is a great option for those who want to create an abstract pattern that is both budget-friendly and stylish. You can even use a map to personalize the look, which is perfect for those who are looking to add a unique design element to their home.